The continental bid to make more of its own vaccines is moving from ambition to production NEWS ANALYSIS | RONALD MUSOKE | Africa has set itself an ambitious deadline of eliminating cholera by 2030. But behind that goal sits a more fundamental question about the continent’s ability to protect …
Read More »Lancet review: mRNA vaccines safe and effective
Drawing together evidence from laboratory research, clinical trials and real-world studies, the review also highlights the technology’s potential beyond COVID-19 NEWS ANALYSIS | AGENCIES | After more than two decades of research and billions of vaccine doses delivered, mRNA vaccines are firmly established as a safe and effective …
Read More »Uganda leads regional push to strengthen vaccine research and manufacturing
CONNECT-VAS project brings together four African countries to build stronger vaccine systems and reduce reliance on imports Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | When scientists, policymakers, regulators and development partners gathered in Kampala on June 11 for the inception meeting of the Collaborative Network for Vaccine Research in West …
Read More »Equatorial Guinea’s high-tech push to end malaria by 2030
If the strategy succeeds, the small nation on the west coast of Central Africa, could become a test case for malaria elimination NEWS ANALYSIS | RONALD MUSOKE | In the humid equatorial belt of Central Africa; where dense forests, heavy rains and winding rivers create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, malaria …
Read More »Kigali facility revs up Africa’s vaccine self-reliance
Backed by fresh European financing, BioNTech’s Kigali facility is emerging as the cornerstone of Africa’s mRNA vaccine ecosystem, bridging the gap between ambition and large-scale production. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | A new European financial backing of BioNTech’s mRNA vaccine facility in Kigali marks a defining step in Africa’s …
Read More »NMS warns of looming vaccine shortage
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Medical Stores (NMS) has warned of a looming shortage of vaccines for children following the imposition of a 2.5 per cent Value Added Tax on medical supplies which took effect on 01 July 2025. This revelation was made by the General Manager of …
Read More »African drone pioneer Zipline is now delivering burritos in the U.S
Rwanda-born Zipline, famed for delivering blood and vaccines across Africa, is now dropping burritos in Texas for the American fast-food chain, Chipotle. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Zipline, the Rwanda-born drone logistics company, is now delivering Chipotle burritos to homes in Rowlett, Texas, the company said in an …
Read More »Rwanda reconsiders malaria vaccines amid surprise surge
In 2024, malaria cases rose by more than 45 per cent in one year, reaching 620,000. Kigali, Rwanda | KELLY RWAMAPERA | After years of progress in reducing malaria cases, Rwanda is confronting a surprising resurgence and signs of treatment resistance that have forced officials to revisit vaccine intervention the country …
Read More »Africa goes local to boost pharma sector
Africa is building a new vaccine future through strategic investments, skilled workforce development, and local manufacturing. From Kenya to Rwanda, deals for new facilities and skills development promise to reduce reliance on foreign pharma supply chains. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | At a warehouse in Kilifi, Kenya, in June …
Read More »Vaccines: Best gift you can give to your baby
New theme as Uganda conference pushes triple strategy against HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | To mark its hosting of the Triple Elimination Conference in Africa scheduled for July 21-23 in Kampala, Uganda is rolling out a bold and unprecedented strategy to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of three …
Read More »
The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price